Abstract: An orthopaedic prosthesis and a method for rapidly manufacturing the same are provided. The orthopaedic prosthesis includes a solid bearing layer, a porous bone-ingrowth layer, and an interdigitating layer therebetween. A laser sintering technique is performed to manufacture the orthopaedic prosthesis.

Abstract: The method relates to a method for producing a strand-like, particularly band-like semi-finished part for electrical contacts, wherein the semi-finished part has a top side intended for making the electrical contact, said top side made from a silver-based composite material in which one or multiple metal oxides or carbon are embedded, and has a carrier layer supporting the composite material made of easily solderable or weldable ignoble metal, and method having the following steps: Powder-metallurgic production of a block made from the silver-based composite material, encasing of the block made of the composite material with a powder made from the easily solderable or weldable ignoble metal, compressing the block, encased by the metal powder, to condense the metal powder, sintering the compressed block in a reducing atmosphere or in an inert atmosphere or in a vacuum, avoiding the formation of fluid eutectics from the silver of the composite material and from the non-precious metal with which the block made f

Abstract: A process is provided for producing aluminum-titanium-boron grain refining master alloys containing soluble titanium aluminide and insoluble aluminum boride particles, the process comprising mixing aluminum-boron alloy powder and K2TiF6 salt to obtain a blended mixture, heat treating the mixed powder blend thus obtained in an inert gas furnace just below the melting point of aluminum, at approximately 650 degrees Celcius sufficiently long and compacting the heated powder blend in the form of tablets. The cast grain size of an aluminum- 7 wt % silicon foundry alloy after inoculation with this master alloy at an addition level of 0.02% Ti was less than 200 microns for contact times of upto 15 minutes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high ductility Ti-, Ti-alloy or NiTi-foam, meaning a compression strain higher than 10%, includes: preparing a powder suspension of a Ti-, NiTi- or Ti-alloy powder, bringing the said powder suspension into a desired form by gelcasting to form a green artifact. The method also includes a calcination step wherein the green artifact is calcined, and sintering the artifact. The calcination step includes a slow heating step wherein said green artifact is heated at a rate lower or equal to 20° C./hour to a temperature between 400° C. and 600° C. and the Ti-, NiTi- or Ti-alloy powder has a particle size less than 100 ?m. A high ductility Ti-, Ti-alloy or NiTi foam, with a compression higher than 10%, with a theoretical density less than 30%, pore size (cell size) between 50 to 1000 ?m can be obtained with such a method.

Abstract: A process for treating sports equipment and sports facility rooms to inactivate “superbug” bacteria such as MRSA, VRE and P. aeroginosa, which comprises subjecting the equipment or the room, and surfaces therein, to a disinfecting atmosphere which includes ozone at a concentration of 2-350 ppm by weight and hydrogen peroxide at an amount of 0.2-10 wt. %, at a relative humidity of at least 60%, and for a period of at least 30 minutes sufficient for an effective kill of the bacteria; and subsequently removing ozone from the atmosphere, down to 0.04 ppm or less.

Abstract: Provided are methods for decontamination of compartments, such as aircraft compartments and other types of compartments, and systems for implementing these methods. In some embodiments, a method involves detecting presence of one or more contaminants in a compartment. This information is used to select various decontamination conditions. In some embodiments, additional information, such as the type of the compartment (e.g., an aircraft compartment), temperature, and humidity, may be also considered while selecting the decontamination conditions. The decontamination conditions include identification of one or more decontaminating agents to be dispensed in the compartment, temperature profile of the air to be flown into the compartment, and timing of the decontaminant dispensing and air flowing operations. These conditions are selected to increase efficacy of the selected decontaminating agents with respect to the one or more detected contaminants and reduce impact on the aircraft compartment.

Abstract: A process to preserve a carbohydrate feedstock against contaminant microorganisms comprises contacting the carbohydrate feedstock with a stabilized chlorine dioxide at a pH of at least 2.6. The carbohydrate feedstock preferably comprises a naturally-occurring carbohydrate, particularly a carbohydrate having a reducing end group. The process is particularly suitable to treat feedstocks used in biorefining processes, such as in ethanol fermentation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a luminescence method of detecting an analyte in a liquid sample comprising marking the analyte with a marker capable of effecting luminescence upon application of excitation energy, wherein reference data descriptive of the luminescence decay is stored in an electronic memory; applying the excitation energy for causing the luminescence; time-resolved measuring of the luminescence over a period of time for acquisition of a measurement signal; reading the reference data from the electronic memory; comparing the measurement signal with the luminescence decay described by the reference data; generating an output signal indicative of the presence of the analyte in the liquid sample using the measurement signal; in case of a mismatch of the measurement signal and the luminescence decay described by the reference data, generating an error signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a sample. The detection system includes a housing that holds a reagent carousel rotatably coupled thereto. Further included in the housing is an incubator carousel rotatably coupled thereto. The housing also includes magnetic material that is associated with the incubation carousel for assisting in separation beads from reagent and wash solution. A robot, associated with the housing is configured to manipulate at least either the reagent carousel or the incubator carousel and transfer materials therebetween. Reaction vessels hold samples and reaction vessels handlers move the reaction vessels. Sample analysis is determined by at least one laser based detector.

Abstract: A blood glucose level measuring apparatus and measurement data management apparatus are provided which can carry out measurement of the blood glucose level of a plurality of patients relatively rapidly and reliably, while also addressing emergency situations. The blood glucose level measuring apparatus includes a patient identifier, blood glucose level measuring device, a date/time counter, a display, and a controller. The controller controls in a normal measurement mode the cross-checking of patient identification information and a patient data table, and then, if patient identification information is not found, measurement of the blood glucose level is inhibited. The controller also controls in an emergency measurement mode in which carrying out of measurement of the blood glucose level is permitted without acquiring the patient identification information by the patient identifier.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved multi-way cell sorter systems and methods. For example, provided are systems and methods for the collection of cells that are sorted in multiple directions. The systems and methods allow for the construction of a multi-way sorter (e.g., a ten-way sorter in the space that currently only allows four-way sorting). In addition the device may actively sense the arrival of drops (with cells of interest) at a sample tube, and trigger an alarm when the drops' arrivals deviate from an expected pattern.

Abstract: Embodiments of optofluidic devices or methods according to the application can provide on-chip, label-free, massively parallel analysis of analytes. An embodiment of the optofluidic device can comprise a microresonator, a waveguide optically coupled to the microresonator, and a fluidic channel that exposes an analyte to an evanescent field from the microresonator, wherein the light signal has a linewidth lesser than the width of at least one resonance of the light signal propagating in the microresonator. The light signal can be tuned across a spectrum of light wavelengths, wherein the spectrum of wavelengths includes one or more wavelengths defining the at least one resonance in the microresonator. The light transmission through the waveguide over the spectrum of wavelengths of the input light can be detected, and an absorption spectrum of the analyte can be determined.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring sterilization status are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for recovering flash gas from an oil storage tank. In one example of the invention, the system may include a flexible storage tank that receives the flash gas and temporarily stores the flash gas; a compressor having an input receiving the flash gas from the flexible storage tank, the compressor compressing the flash gas to form compressed gas; and an oxygen reduction subsystem receiving the compressed gas, the oxygen reduction subsystem reducing an amount of oxygen from the compressed gas. In this manner, the resulting compressed oxygen-reduced gas that has been recovered can be injected into a sales gas line for use, under certain conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for a radial-flow reactor according to various approaches includes an inner partition assembly having an inwardly tapered bottom portion. According to various approaches, an inner partition assembly support includes a socket with a tapered upper rim. A process according to various aspects includes assembling a radial-flow reactor by installing an inner partition assembly by aligning a bottom portion of the inner partition assembly with an opening of a inner partition assembly support socket and lowering the bottom portion into the opening.

Abstract: Multiple components are selected, conveyed, and measured in a polymerization system. A control system adjusts the system variables to the desired values. Portions of the components can be fed to a pre-contactor before introduction into the polymerization reactor. The catalyst component concentrations and residence times are tightly controlled in the pre-contactor to affect product properties. The pre-contactor can be a single or multiple combinations of a CSTR or plug flow pre-contactors.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor includes a bottom portion, a roof portion, and side walls vertically extending between the bottom portion and the roof portion, forming a reaction chamber of the reactor. At least one side wall of the reaction chamber forms at least one vertical indentation in the reaction chamber, which indentation extends from the plane of the at least one side wall towards the reaction chamber. The indentation extending from the plane of the at least one side wall towards the reaction chamber is formed of a portion of the at least one side wall, protruding from the plane of the at least one side wall towards the reaction chamber, and the portion of the at least one side wall includes at least two substantially vertical indenting wall portions deviating from the plane of the at least one side wall at vertical lines within a distance from each other.

Abstract: A system for producing ammonia includes sources of hydrogen and nitrogen gas, a hydrogen gas booster for producing produce pressurized hydrogen gas, a nitrogen gas booster for producing pressurized nitrogen gas, and a synthesis reactor that receives a mixture of the pressurized hydrogen and nitrogen gases. The synthesis reactor includes an inlet for receiving the pressurized gas mixture, a heating zone adjacent the inlet for heating the gas mixture, a catalyst zone downstream from the heating zone for catalyzing a reaction of the mixture to form ammonia and a by-product, and a cooling zone downstream from the catalyst zone for cooling the ammonia and the by-product. The system has a separator for separating the ammonia from the by-product, an ammonia storage tank for collecting the ammonia, and a recycle loop for re-circulating the by-product back to the synthesis reactor.

Abstract: The catalytic converter for confined areas is installed with a vehicular tunnel, parking garage, or other confined area subject to motor vehicle operation therein. The converter catalyzes internal combustion engine exhaust by-products by selective catalytic reduction. The heat required for the catalytic reaction is provided by an electric heater installed with the converter, the converter being thermally insulated to retain the heat. The carbon dioxide and water vapor resulting from the catalytic reactions are gathered by the same fan or pump and the water vapor condensed to liquid form, and distributed to vegetation external to and adjacent to the tunnel or enclosure.

Abstract: A lean NOx trap type exhaust gas purifying catalyst having a catalyst noble metal selected from a group consisting of platinum, palladium and rhodium, an inorganic oxide that carries the catalyst noble metal, and at least one NOx adsorbent one selected from a group of magnesium, barium, sodium, potassium and cesium. The inorganic oxide carrying palladium containing cerium in a CeO2-equivalent quantity in a range of 1 to 20 wt %, and at least one of aluminum and zirconium.

Abstract: A method for separating CO2 from gas mixtures uses a slurried media impregnated with buffer compounds and coating the solid media with a catalyst or enzyme that promotes the transformation of CO2 to carbonic acid. Buffer sorbent pebbles with a catalyst or enzyme coating are provided for rapid separation of CO2 from gas mixtures.

Abstract: A mounting mat for an exhaust gas treatment device includes a blend of inorganic fibers and organic nanofibrillated fibers. An exhaust gas treatment device includes a housing and a fragile structure mounted within the housing by the mounting mat that is disposed in a gap between the housing and the fragile catalyst support structure. Additionally disclosed are methods of making a mounting mat for an exhaust gas treatment device and for making an exhaust gas treatment device incorporating the mounting mat.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure includes a honeycomb unit. The honeycomb unit has a plurality of through holes defined by partition walls along a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb unit. The partition walls have a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.4 mm. The honeycomb unit is manufactured by molding raw material paste by extrusion molding and thereafter by firing the molded raw material paste. The raw material paste contains zeolite and an inorganic binder. A specific surface area of the zeolite is more than or equal to approximately 500 m2/g and less than or equal to approximately 800 m2/g. An external surface area of the zeolite is more than or equal to approximately 40 m2/g and less than or equal to approximately 80 m2/g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a delivery apparatus for delivering electromagnetic energy into a solution. The delivery apparatus comprises a coil means arranged within an outer housing for delivering a magnetic field into the solution, a voltage assembly means coupled to the coil means for delivering an electric field into the solution, and connection means for delivering an electromagnetic signal to the coil from electromagnetic signal generation circuitry contained within the housing. The arrangement of the present invention confers significant physical stability on the delivery apparatus and ensures that heat generated by heat generating components of the apparatus is conducted away from the electromagnetic signal generation circuitry so that the apparatus can be operated continuously.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for preparing silicon nanoparticles. The apparatus includes a corona discharge section charging silicon nanoparticles to exhibit unipolarity in order to prevent agglomeration of the silicon nanoparticles after the silicon nanoparticles are generated from an injected gas by plasma reaction of an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) coil. The apparatus may facilitate grain size control of silicon nanoparticles while improving discharge performance of a mesh filter for collection of generated nanoparticles by preventing agglomeration of the silicon nanoparticles generated by plasma reaction using inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and may permit replacement of the mesh filter even during operation of the apparatus, thereby improving productivity while reducing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A fuel processor with a floating catalyst has a reactant gas passage and a product gas passage separated by a separating wall which is fixed at one end and free at the other end, to permit differential thermal expansion. The catalyst is received inside the separating wall proximate to the free end. An outer wall at least partially surrounds the separating wall and the fixed end of the separating wall may be joined to the outer wall. The fuel processor may comprise a plurality of concentric tubes, and may include a third tube located inside the separator wall. The gas passages are provided with gas permeable support structures such as turbulizers or fins which support the separating wall relative to the outer wall, but the support structures are bonded to only one tube in order to permit differential thermal expansion of the walls.

Abstract: Continuous flow water treatment systems, devices and methods that reduce the costs associated with using oxidizing agents in water treatment by maximizing mixing energy with pressure of the solution in a continuous flow system. The systems comprise an inflow conduit that provides water to be treated to a mixing chamber in a housing, a first chemical injector mounted into either the inflow conduit or the housing that provides an oxidizing agent into the water flow, a driven impeller mounted within the mixing chamber that maintains the flow of fluid through the apparatus and provides agitation to the fluid within the mixing chamber, and an outflow conduit for expelling the treated water from the mixing chamber. The outflow conduit may be pressurized to increase the mixing energy in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A device including a first part having a substrate made of a material based on a silicon compound, a coating made of a coating material having a ceramic oxide, a transition layer having silica extending between the substrate and the coating, the transition layer exhibiting a thickness of less than 10 ?m, and a first shrink ring and/or a layer made of a compliant material having an alloy with at least two materials selected from silver, gold and palladium, the coating defining at least a portion of the interface between the first part, and the first shrink ring and/or the layer made of a compliant material.

Abstract: A portable gas transfer device for point-of-use sterilization at a sterilization site includes: a housing; a pressurized gas canister held by the housing; a first passageway in fluid communication with the pressurized gas canister and configured to supply pressurized pre-sterilization gas from the pressurized gas canister to the site; a gas discharge canister held by the housing; and a second passageway in fluid communication with the gas discharge canister and configured to supply post-sterilization gas from the site to the gas discharge canister. Additional related devices, systems and methods are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device comprising liquid transport means adapted to take up a liquid sample and conduct the liquid to an analyte detection region operable to provide a test signal indicative of the presence and/or amount of an analyte in the liquid sample; the assay device further comprising a sample presence signal generation means, which is not generated by means of an immunoreaction. This sample presence signal generation means can comprise a colored portion, which is overlaid by a material (e.g. nitrocellulose) that is opaque, when dry, and translucent or transparent, when wet, to allow the colored portion to become visible to the user. In another embodiment the signal generation means comprises a color changing material which under-goes a change in its visible properties upon wetting (e.g. pH indication). A third embodiment uses a mobilizable detectable which, when wetted by the sample, is carried along resulting in a streaked line parallel with the flow direction.

Abstract: A liquid specimen collecting and testing device has two chambers, a first for collecting a liquid specimen and a second for exposing a measured volume preliminary screening aliquot of the specimen to preliminary screening test strips. The first chamber has a catch basin of defined volume which is less than the sample volume. The basin is simultaneously sealed from the rest of the first chamber, thus separating and apportioning the measured volume preliminary screening aliquot from the collected volume. Simultaneously, an opening made leading from the basin to the second chamber initiating the preliminary screening test. Thus intermingling of a preliminary screening aliquot and a remainder aliquot is avoided.

Abstract: A device for use in molecular diagnostics testing includes at least one sealed reagent storage container, and at least one opener for unsealing the reagent storage container. The device further includes an actuator coupled to the reagent storage container and opener such that moving the actuator brings the reagent storage container and the opener together so that the opener unseals the reagent storage container.

Abstract: A mixing method and device are disclosed. The mixing method includes providing a drop generating device including a first drop ejector, a second drop ejector and a collector. The mixing method also includes ejecting a plurality of drops of a first reactant from the first drop ejector and ejecting a plurality of drops of a second reactant from the second drop ejector and collecting the drops with the collector.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises pumps, valves, and fluid oscillation dampers. In a device employed for sorting, an entity is flowed by the pump along a flow channel through a detection region to a junction. Based upon an identity of the entity determined in the detection region, a waste or collection valve located on opposite branches of the flow channel at the junction are actuated, thereby routing the entity to either a waste pool or a collection pool. A damper structure may be located between the pump and the junction. The damper reduces the amplitude of oscillation pressure in the flow channel due to operation of the pump, thereby lessening oscillation in velocity of the entity during sorting process. The microfluidic device may be formed in a block of elastomer material, with thin membranes of the elastomer material deflectable into the flow channel to provide pump or valve functionality.

Abstract: A micromachined tube (microtube) suitable for microfluidic devices. The microtube is formed by isotropically etching a surface of a first substrate to define therein a channel having an arcuate cross-sectional profile, and forming a substrate structure by bonding the first substrate to a second substrate so that the second substrate overlies and encloses the channel to define a passage having a cross-sectional profile of which at least half is arcuate. The substrate structure is thinned to define the microtube and walls thereof that surround the passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: A device for capturing suspended bioparticles in a liquid medium, includes: a tube (101) including first and second ends, the first end of the tube being closed by the surface of a filter membrane (102) rendered stationary by adhesion onto the cross-section of the walls of the tube, a piston (104) including a rod (107) connected to a bearing element (108), the rod sliding along an axis parallel to the wall of the tube (101), and a block (103) of hydrophilic absorbent material placed inside the tube (101), inserted between (i) the inner surface of the filter membrane (102) and (ii) the piston (104) bearing element (108).

Abstract: A separation device including a first buoy, a second buoy, a first valve, and a second valve. The first buoy is mounted to a buoy guide post and slidably mounted within a separation chamber. The second buoy is slidably mounted to the guide post and movable between a first position and a second position. The second buoy closes the first valve and opens the second valve when in the first position. The second buoy opens the first valve and closes the second valve when in the second position. The second buoy has a density such that after spinning the device for a suitable period of time a first component of the composition is isolated between the first buoy and the second buoy and a second component of the composition is isolated between the second buoy and the end of the separation chamber that is opposite to a port.

Abstract: A tissue processing system includes a plurality of processing stations. Each processing station includes a plurality of tissue receiving areas that are each configured to accommodate a tissue sample as well as physically isolate that tissue sample from other tissue samples at other receiving areas of the same processing station. Each processing station is configured to separately and individually process the tissue sample at each receiving area to either reduce or eliminate any potential for cross-contamination between the tissue samples undergoing processing at the same processing station. For each receiving area of each processing station, the system is configured to immerse a tissue sample at a particular receiving area in processing fluid for a pre-determined time according to a pre-defined protocol that is based upon parameters of that tissue sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing device for closing an introduction aperture, the sealing device comprising a fixed support and a shutter mounted movably in translation relative to the support between an extended position and a final retracted position, wherein the sealing device is in a final retracted configuration and wherein the shutter closes introduction aperture. The device includes locking means for preventing any movement of the shutter when it is in the final retracted position. The sealing device further comprises an intermediate retracted configuration, wherein the shutter is at least partly retracted. The sealing device also comprises motion guiding means for guiding the movement of the shutter and designed so that the extension of the shutter is required to move the shutter from the intermediate retracted position to the final retracted position.

Abstract: An automated, refrigerated specimen management system (ARSIMS) to hold sealed and/or opened sample/specimen tubes and/or containers that can be in the pre-analytical, in-process, or post-analytical phase of processing. The ARSIMS ensures that each sample/specimen tube, whether it is sealed, capped, closed or open, can be stored at an ideal storage temperature according to the particular phase of processing and as appropriate for the combination of sample/specimen type and analyte(s) to be tested.

Abstract: Dry-scrubbing media compositions, methods of preparation and methods of use are provided. The compositions contain activated alumina and magnesium oxide. Optionally, activated carbon and other impregnates, such as hydroxides of group 1A metals, are included. The compositions exhibit improved efficiency and capacity for the removal of compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, from an air-stream. The compositions are particularly useful for reducing or preventing the release of toxic gaseous compounds from the areas such as landfills, petroleum storage areas, refineries, drinking water systems, sewage treatment facilities, swimming pools, hospital morgues, animal rooms, and pulp and paper production sites.

Abstract: Dry processes, apparatus, compositions and systems are provided for reducing emissions of mercury and optionally sulfur oxides and/or HCl. In an embodiment the copper-based mercury remediation composition comprises a copper ammonium complex having an empirical formula of C2H7CuNO2 or any of the other materials described, which include compositions defined by the formula Cu(NH3)x(lower carboxylate)y, wherein the lower carboxylate is selected from the group consisting of formate, acetate and propionate, x is an integer from 0 to 4, y is an integer from 0 to 2, and x+y is equal to or greater than 1. Sulfur oxides and/or HCl can be additionally reduced by introduction of dolomite hydrate sorbent, and additional mercury remediation chemicals as manganese oxides can be employed. The treated gas stream is treated with a particulate removal device.

Abstract: A treatment device configured to receive a flow of exhaust from a power source is disclosed. The treatment device may have a first layer, a second layer, and a substrate layer. The first layer may include a selective catalytic reduction layer, and the second layer may be disposed downstream of the first layer and include an oxidation catalyst support. The substrate layer may be disposed adjacent to the second layer. Additionally, an additive may be disposed downstream of the first layer. The additive may be operative to substantially prohibit migration of a component of the second layer to the first layer upon treatment of the flow of exhaust by the oxidation catalyst support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst comprising 0.1-10 mol % Co3-xMxO4, where M is Fe or Al and x=0-2, on a cerium oxide support for decomposition of N2O in gases containing NO. The catalyst may also contain 0.01-2 weight % ZrO2. The invention further comprises a method for performing a process comprising formation of N2O. The N2O containing gas is brought in contact with a catalyst comprising 0.1-10 mol % Co3-xMxO4, where M is Fe or Al and x=0-2, on a cerium oxide support, at 250-1000° C. The method may comprise that ammonia is oxidized in presence of an oxidation catalyst and that the thereby formed gas mixture is brought in contact with the catalyst comprising the cobalt component on cerium oxide support at a temperature of 500-1000° C.

Abstract: A CO shift catalyst according to the present invention reforms carbon monoxide (CO) contained in gas. The CO shift catalyst is prepared from one or both of molybdenum (Mo) and cobalt (Co) as an active ingredient and an oxide of one of, or a mixture or a compound of, titanium (Ti), silicon (Si), zirconium (Zr), and cerium (Ce) as a carrier for supporting the active ingredient. The CO shift catalyst can be used in a halogen-resistant CO shift reactor (15) that converts CO contained in gasified gas (12) generated in a gasifier (11) into CO2.

Abstract: The present invention is apparatus for, and method of, purification of silicon by electric induction heating and melting of silicon in a crucible or susceptor vessel, with subsequent directional partial cooling of the silicon melt to an initial amorphous-to-crystalline (solidification) temperature to produce a directionally solidified purified quantity of silicon and a separate quantity of high impurity silicon. The quantity of high impurity silicon is removed from the vessel and the purified quantity of silicon at solidification temperature is remelted in the vessel for removal from the vessel or further processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing hollow silica particles. First, an amine-ketimine compound is mixed with water to obtain a hydrophobic core dispersion, and then an organic siloxane compound and/or a coupling reagent is added into the hydrophobic core dispersion to form a core-shell silica dispersion. Then, the core-shell silica precipitate is separated from the core-shell silica dispersion, and then it is further dispersed and washed by a low carbon alcohol solution. Finally, hollow silica particles in accordance with the present invention are produced. In addition, the present invention also provides hollow silica particles produced by the afore-mentioned method without using any additional surfactant.

Abstract: A method of producing a hydrazine-coordinated Cu chalcogenide complex, including: a step (I) in which Cu or Cu2Se and a chalcogen are reacted in dimethylsulfoxide in the presence of hydrazine, a step (II) in which a solution obtained in the step (I) is subjected to concentration and filtration, and a step (III) in which a purifying solvent is added to a solution obtained in the step (II).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of precipitated calcium carbonate comprising the steps of a) providing and calcining calcium carbonate comprising material; b) slaking the reaction product obtained from step a) with an aqueous ammonium chloride solution; c) separating insoluble components from the calcium chloride solution obtained from step b); d) carbonating the calcium chloride solution obtained from step c); e) separating the precipitated calcium carbonate obtained from step d); the precipitated calcium carbonate obtained by this process, as well as uses thereof.